I worked with a few UCP homes during my time as a Supports Coordinator and with the staff and gentleman at Lisburn House for many years. The house supervisor considered herself , her staff and all the guys there as a part of her family. She was dedicated and hard working. She never shied away from a challenge and there were many. I looked forward to the days when I could visit. Diane not only talked the talk she walked the walk every single day. Staff at UCP homes where I was involved were always putting clients first and showing them how they could reach their full potential as individuals in their community. I miss those days and think of all the individuals often.
From my professional involvement with UCP of Central PA, it is easy to see that this is an organization that truly cares about its mission; to assist infants, children and adults with disabilities. UCP is proud to tell their story, and I am honored to help them tell it. When producing the agency newsletter, I can see the pride in their eyes as they talk about the subjects of each article.
As professional in the field and a parent of a child who received services through UCP Central PA, I have had a wide array of experiences with UCP and their staff. The experience impacting my youngest son is the one that stands out the most for me!! My son was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity and Impulsivity when he was 3 1/2 years old. With this diagnosis, we, along with the staff at UCP's preschool (where he went to for childcare and preschool), experienced a range of emotional outbursts. Some so significant that I am sure most other childcare / preschool programs would have asked him to leave. While there were many ups and downs along the road, the staff hung in there through the thick and thin of it. They rose to the challenge and knew that all I asked was that they at least try something to help him successfully complete a day in preschool. I remember saying that I was prepared for failure if they tried, but not prepared for failure from a lack thereof. Let me tell you, everyone tried!! We as parents were learning and trying new tactics for pick-up time and time in the evening. The staff was trying tactics that focused on our son's strengths, in hopes of overcoming his challenges. The Family Services team was always there with input and advice for specific situations. The therapists on-site were a godsend when we were faced with challenging behavioral outbursts. It was definitely a group effort...one for which I will be forever grateful. I am not sure what my husband and I would have done during those ealry years without the help, guidance, and support of the staff at UCP's Childhood Programs!
